I still remember the first time I twisted the throttle on a 2019 ktm 1290 super adventure s, and to be perfectly honest, my neck wasn't ready for it. There is something fundamentally ridiculous about a bike that looks like a tall, sensible touring machine but accelerates with the ferocity of a superbike. It's a bit of a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde situation, and that's exactly why people fall in love with these things.
If you're looking at one of these today, you're likely trying to figure out if it still holds up against the newer models or if it's just a high-maintenance headache waiting to happen. The short answer? It's still one of the most capable "do-everything" motorcycles ever built, provided you know what you're getting into.
That monster of an engine
At the heart of the 2019 ktm 1290 super adventure s is the 1301cc LC8 V-twin. KTM calls it the "Beast" for a reason. We're talking 160 horsepower and enough torque to pull a house off its foundation. What's wild about this engine isn't just the peak power, though. It's how the power is delivered.
Down low, it's got that signature V-twin character—a bit of mechanical chatter and a deep, pulsing thrum. But once you get past 6,000 RPM, the thing just takes off. It doesn't matter what gear you're in; if you want to overtake a line of cars on a two-lane highway, you just think about it, twist your wrist, and you're gone.
However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. It's a big, high-performance engine, which means it runs hot. If you're stuck in stop-and-go traffic on a July afternoon, you're going to feel the heat coming off that rear cylinder. It's basically a free leg sauna that nobody asked for. But once you're out on the open road, that's a distant memory.
Handling that defies physics
You look at the 2019 ktm 1290 super adventure s and you see a big, tall adventure bike. You expect it to be a bit wallowy in the corners, right? Wrong. The "S" in the name stands for "Street," and KTM really leaned into that.
With the 19-inch front wheel (as opposed to the 21-inch off-road focused wheel on the "R" model), the turn-in is surprisingly sharp. But the real magic is the WP semi-active suspension. You can toggle through modes like Comfort, Street, and Sport on the fly.
If you're cruising down a rough interstate, "Comfort" soaks up the expansion joints like they aren't even there. But flick it into "Sport" when the road starts to wind, and the bike firms up instantly. It minimizes fork dive under braking and keeps the rear from squatting when you hammer the gas. It makes a 500-plus pound motorcycle feel about 100 pounds lighter than it actually is.
The tech and that massive screen
Back in 2019, the 6.5-inch TFT display on this bike was arguably the best in the business. Even by today's standards, it's fantastic. It's bright, clear, and the menu system is actually intuitive. I hate fumbling through sub-menus just to turn off traction control, and KTM's four-button setup on the left handlebar makes it easy to do even with thick gloves on.
The electronics package is pretty comprehensive too. You've got cornering ABS, lean-angle sensitive traction control, and various ride modes. The "Rain" mode is actually useful because, let's be real, 160 hp on a wet road is a recipe for a bad time.
One thing I really appreciate is the LED headlight. It has integrated cornering lights that trigger based on your lean angle. It sounds like a gimmick until you're riding a dark mountain pass at night and you can actually see where the road is going before you turn the bike. It's one of those "how did I live without this?" features.
Is it actually comfortable for touring?
Short answer: Yes, but with a couple of "ifs." The ergonomics are great for tall riders. You sit upright, the reach to the bars is natural, and there's plenty of legroom. The adjustable windscreen does a decent job, though some owners (including myself) find it creates a bit of buffeting at helmet level depending on how tall you are. A lot of guys swap it out for an aftermarket screen, which usually fixes the issue.
The seat is well, it's a KTM seat. It's firm. For a two-hour blast, it's fine. For an eight-hour day crossing state lines, your backside might start questioning your life choices. Again, the aftermarket has plenty of solutions here, but out of the box, it's definitely on the "sporty" side of comfortable.
Fuel range is another win. The tank holds about 6 gallons (23 liters), and if you aren't riding like a complete maniac, you can easily get over 200 miles out of a tank. That's plenty of range for most touring duties.
The reality of maintenance and reliability
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: reliability. KTM hasn't always had the "bulletproof" reputation of a certain Japanese brand. However, the 1290 platform is actually quite mature. By 2019, they had ironed out most of the early gremlins.
That said, you have to stay on top of the maintenance. This isn't a bike where you can just change the oil every two years and call it a day. The valve clearance checks (every 18,000 miles or 30,000 km) are labor-intensive and expensive if you're paying a dealer to do them.
Also, keep an eye on the electronics. Because there are so many sensors and wires, a loose battery terminal or a bit of corrosion can throw a "General Failure" warning on the dash that'll scare the life out of you. Usually, it's something simple, but it can be annoying. If you buy a used one, make sure it has a solid service history.
Why choose the 2019 model over others?
You might be wondering why you'd go for a 2019 model specifically. Well, it sits in a bit of a "Goldilocks" zone. It has the modern TFT screen and the great LED headlight, but it lacks some of the more complex (and polarizing) features of the 2021+ bikes, like the front-facing radar for adaptive cruise control.
Some people also prefer the styling of the 2017-2020 generation. It looks aggressive and sharp without being quite as "bulky" in the front as the newer ones. Plus, on the used market, the 2019 ktm 1290 super adventure s offers incredible value for the performance you're getting. You're essentially getting a world-class grand tourer for the price of a mid-range commuter bike.
Final thoughts
At the end of the day, the 2019 ktm 1290 super adventure s isn't for everyone. If you want a mellow, vibrating cruiser or a lightweight dirt bike, look elsewhere. This is a machine for people who want to cover long distances quickly and still have the performance to embarrass sportbikes in the canyons.
It's got soul, it's got quirks, and it has more power than any human actually needs on a public road. But that's what makes it so much fun. Every time you walk out to the garage and see that orange frame, you know you're in for a ride that's anything but boring. Just make sure you hold on tight when you hit the gas—you've been warned.